My Glass Photo App Update: The Refreshing, No Nonsense App for True Photography Enthusiasts
In this episode, I delve into the refreshing world of Glass - a haven for every photography enthusiast out there. If you're tired of the commercialization and algorithms dictating your photo-sharing experience on other platforms, then Glass might just be your next favorite spot.
💸 Save on Your Glass Subscription
I'm thrilled to share an exclusive referral code with you, which can save you $10 on your first-year subscription to Glass! Remember, I'm not gaining anything from this, but rather looking forward to connecting with you and fostering a supportive photography community.
🔗 Link: https://glass.photo/referral/A848CTQKKWKQ
👁️ Join Me in a Month-Long Photo Sharing Journey
I'm setting out on a challenge to share a photo daily on Glass for the next month, diving back into the beautiful practice of sharing and enjoying photography. I invite you to witness this journey and perhaps, join me in rediscovering the sheer joy that comes from sharing photos without any strings attached.
Traveling Light: Minimalist Photography Gear for London & Paris
On this trip, I opted for the least amount of camera gear I've ever traveled with. Yes, you heard that right! My aim was to keep it as simple as possible, ensuring I was present in the moments, especially with my family. You can see a handful of pictures at the end of this blog post.
Why Minimal Gear?
Primarily, my destinations were urban – London and Paris. I knew I wasn't going to be zooming into distant landmarks. My focus? Capturing memories of my wife, and son, a bit of the picturesque cities, and indulging in some street photography.
The Gear Breakdown
Bags: The nifty Tom Tuck five-liter bag was my main companion in London, accommodating my essential gear and even my wallet. Meanwhile, in Paris, where the concern of pickpockets looms, my three-liter bag from PGY tech came in handy.
Cameras: Breaking tradition, I left my Sony cameras and drones at home, relying instead on my iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. These phones were a game-changer, with the iPhone's Portrait mode bringing out the best in family snaps, and the Samsung phone excelling in zoom shots.
However, the real star was the Ricoh GR iiix. This lightweight camera was a gem for street photography. Holding it made me blend seamlessly into the crowd, unnoticed, and let me capture candid moments. The only slight drawback? It sometimes felt too close for the streets. This made me wish I had my Fujifilm camera or perhaps a regular GR iii for a wider shot.
Other Devices: My Samsung Tab S8 was an unexpected hero. Transferring photos was a breeze, and with dex mode, it pretty much turned into a Chromebook! Although I carried my MacBook Air, it never saw the light of day – a testament to how efficient the Samsung tab was.
Apps & Editing
While the stock camera apps on both phones served me well for captures, most of my editing was done on Lightroom. Occasionally, I also used Google Photos, especially marveling at its Magic erase tool. The latter would conveniently suggest unnecessary elements that could be removed with a simple click!
Traveling Light: The Key Takeaway
This trip reinforced a valuable lesson: Sometimes, less is more. As we grow, the desire for our tools to just work becomes paramount. For family vacations, a minimal setup like the Ricoh GR iiix is perfect, even though I adore my professional cameras. The crucial aspect is the memory itself, rather than the specific device used to record it.
Looking ahead, I'm eager to share more insights, especially on how Lightroom seamlessly tied all my devices together. But that's a story for another day.
If you are traveling with your family, especially with kids, and want to capture high-quality photos while keeping your gear to a minimum, remember to strike the right balance and use the appropriate tools. And as we cherish these memories years down the line, it won't matter if they were shot using an expensive camera or a smartphone. The emotion and the story behind each picture are what truly counts.
Until next time, keep traveling, keep capturing, and keep sharing those heartwarming stories! Safe travels!
Exploring the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Is it the Ultimate Phablet?
today I want to discuss my decision to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra over the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini was initially attractive for its portability and potential as a photo and video editing tool. But I found the limited storage capacity, average picture quality, and additional cost of an Apple Pencil to be major drawbacks.
After some research, I landed on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, a robust Android device that won me over with its impressive camera system, integrated stylus, and ample screen size for editing. I bought a refurbished model from Amazon, which was not only cost-effective but also covered by a 90-day return policy. I also got the S Pen Pro, an excellent alternative to the Apple Pencil, but with more device compatibility.
The compact size, superior camera system, and the ability to directly import pictures into Lightroom using a USB C reader made the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra a perfect fit for my on-the-go editing needs. The quality of the screen also made it my preferred choice for watching videos, even those captured on my iPhone.
Despite my strong ties with Apple's ecosystem, the features and performance of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra have made me consider Android tablets more seriously. This device, serving as a multi-purpose tool, has expanded my perception of Android devices and has proven to be an excellent purchase for my needs.
The Two Types of Photographers: Embracing the Art of Photographing and Loving Photographs
I recently stumbled upon an interesting concept that really resonated with me, and I wanted to share it with all of you. The idea comes from my favorite photographer, Jay Maisel, who mentioned in a Scott Kelby interview that there are two types of photographers: those who love photographing and those who love photographs. Today, I want to dive deeper into this idea and discuss how our preferences can ebb and flow as we journey through the world of photography.
The Thrill of the Hunt
For some photographers, the excitement lies in the process of capturing images. They enjoy exploring their surroundings with their camera, always on the lookout for the perfect moment. Whether it's a stunning sunrise after an early morning hike or patiently waiting for wildlife to appear, these photographers revel in the act of photographing itself.
Reliving the Moment Through Photographs
On the other hand, there are photographers who find joy in examining, editing, and appreciating their images after they've been captured. These individuals often cherish the memories and emotions associated with each photograph, as well as the effort it took to create them. For them, photography is about capturing a moment in time and reliving it through their images.
My Personal Journey
As I've grown in my photography journey, I've found myself shifting between these two perspectives. Right now, I'm all about the thrill of the hunt. I love going out with my camera and discovering new scenes and moments. It's an exciting adventure where I have no expectations, and I'm okay with that.
However, I've also experienced the satisfaction of immersing myself in the editing process, fine-tuning my images, and extracting every last detail. I've experimented with shooting raw images to get the most data possible and played around with different editing styles as my preferences have evolved over time.
Finding Your Balance
The beauty of photography is that it's not a zero-sum game. We can embrace both aspects or focus on one, depending on our current interests and needs. If you find yourself feeling stuck or frustrated, take a step back and assess what truly brings you joy in photography. It's okay to shift your focus and allow your passions to guide your creative process.
Seeking Inspiration
If you're ever feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to explore photography books from famous and not-so-famous photographers. These can be a fantastic source of inspiration, sparking new ideas and motivating you to experiment with your own photography.
Share Your Thoughts
I'd love to hear from you! Which type of photographer are you? Do you prefer the act of photographing, or do you cherish the photographs themselves? Remember, there's no right or wrong answer; it's all about finding what resonates with you.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of the two types of photographers. If you haven't already, consider subscribing to my monthly newsletter, Focal Point, for photography techniques, tips, and inspiration sent straight to your inbox.
Capturing the Truth: The Case for Smartphone Photography as a Genuine Pursuit of Visual Excellence!
In recent years, smartphone photography has made significant strides, challenging the long-held belief that it falls short of traditional photography. With advancements in mobile camera technology, photographers now have access to professional-grade tools right in their pockets. The versatility and convenience of smartphones empower individuals to explore their creativity and express themselves in ways that were once exclusive to those with high-end equipment. Moreover, the ubiquity of smartphones has democratized photography, allowing for the documentation of diverse perspectives and stories from all corners of the world.
My current mobile setup is below:
Office Tour 1.0
In this video, I share this version of my studio. I wanted to show you that no matter what you have you can create.
Why the Sony A7II is the Perfect Choice for Photographers in 2023
The Sony A7II is a highly respected camera with excellent image quality, a versatile autofocus system, and durability. It also has a full-frame sensor and a wide range of features that make it suitable for various photography styles, including portrait, landscape, and action. Overall, the Sony A7II is a reliable and powerful camera that may be worth considering for photographers looking for a high-quality option in 2023.
I've been using the Sony a7 II for three years now and it has become one of my favorite cameras. If you're considering getting this camera, let me tell you, you won't regret it. In this blog post, I'll give you seven reasons why you should pick up the Sony a7 II in 2023.
High Image Quality: The Sony a7 II has a full-frame CMOS sensor with 24 megapixels, providing excellent ISO and dynamic range. This means that you can take great photos in any lighting condition, whether it be low light or bright daylight. This sensor was top-of-the-class when it was released, and even though it's an older camera now, it still takes amazing pictures. If you're a hobbyist or looking to upgrade to a full-frame camera, this sensor still delivers great results.
5-Axis Image Stabilization: The Sony a7 II has in-body image stabilization, meaning that any lens you attach to the camera will have image stabilization. This is especially helpful for shooting in low light or shooting video. The 5-axis image stabilization helps to eliminate camera shake and produce sharp photos.
Fast Autofocus: The Sony a7 II has fast autofocus, which is great for capturing fast-moving subjects. The autofocus system uses 117 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points for accurate and fast focusing. This means you won't miss any important moments when you're trying to capture them.
Video Capabilities: The Sony a7 II can record 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, making it a great option for videographers. The camera also has the ability to record in XAVC S format, which is a high-quality video format. The in-body image stabilization also helps with recording video, making it smoother and less shaky.
Interchangeable Lenses: The Sony a7 II uses Sony's E-mount, which means you have access to a wide range of lenses. Whether you're into landscape photography, portraits, or sports photography, there's a lens for you. Having interchangeable lenses gives you the flexibility to get the exact shot you want.
Durability: The Sony a7 II is built to last. It has a solid magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions. Whether you're shooting in the rain or in harsh conditions, the Sony a7 II is built to withstand the elements.
Affordable Price: For its features and capabilities, the Sony a7 II is a very affordable full-frame camera. It's a great option for those who want the benefits of a full-frame camera but don't want to break the bank. With its features and price, the Sony a7 II is a great value for anyone looking to upgrade their camera.
The Sony A7 II is a great camera for those who want a full-frame option without spending a lot of money. Its high image quality, fast autofocus, video capabilities, interchangeable lenses, durability, and affordable price make it a great option in 2023. If you're in the market for a new camera, I would definitely recommend the Sony A7 II.
Products links:
Sony A7ii Review: https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd
Samyang 35 F1.8 - https://amzn.to/2Vz7ocE
Tamron 28-200mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/3hiPAdo
Sony 90mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/35q8fkK
Battery Grip - https://amzn.to/3fOV8Jo
The photography gear I used at Disneyland
Bags:
Lowepro Truckee - https://amzn.to/3gQCFlI
PGYTech Camera Sling - https://amzn.to/3gK1pMG
Camera and Lenses:
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Tamron 28-200mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/3hiPAdo
Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/3GU8XH6
Ricoh GR IIIx - https://amzn.to/3VyuglD
DJI Osmo Action - https://amzn.to/3ldQyZk
Accessories
SNAP Mount Pro - https://amzn.to/3imRb54
Sirui Mini Tripod - https://amzn.to/3GUREpx
Apple SD Card Reader - https://amzn.to/3GUbj8V
USB-C SD Card Reader - https://amzn.to/3ionC35
Computer and iPad
Macbook Air M1 - https://amzn.to/3udBFuY
iPad Pro 12.9in - https://amzn.to/3ONkYjS
Tamron 17-28mm and 28-200mm Review | The most practical lens combination for travel
The Tamron 17-28mm and 28-200mm lenses are the best two lens combination I've ever used. I will share my experience with them in this video and show you examples.
Buy them here 👇🏾
Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 - https://amzn.to/3Va1UOW
Tamron 28-200mm - https://amzn.to/3UcVwoM
Tamron 17-28mm eamples
Landscape examples.
Tamrom 28-200mm examples.
In everyday use, the Tamron 28-200mm lens is more than sharp enough. Whether it’s low light, harsh bright light, or using it to take a self-portrait this lens can deliver.
I’ve used the Tamron 28-200mm as my primary lens for a few years and still love using it on vacations and when going out on day trips. The versatility for the price is amazing.
Using the Ricoh GR IIIx as my everyday camera | It's not just for street photography 📸
The Ricoh GR IIIx has been my everyday carry camera for more than 8 months, it literally goes everywhere with me. In this video, I will share sample pictures and explain why I like this camera. This is NOT a camera for everyone but for people who really love photography and the photographic process.
@Samuel Streetlife GR IIIx review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIcx-OnJxd0
@EYExplore Ricoh Gr IIIx Street settings - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNzG9KcxWw8
@RICOHGRPHOTOGRAPHY - https://www.youtube.com/c/RICOHGRPHOTOGRAPHY
The Ricoh GR IIIx is great for quick pictures when we’re hanging out with family or just out and about. Since it can fit in my pants pocket I tend to take it everywhere with me.
The power of the GR IIIx is when doing street photography. Being able to us zone focusing it’s really easy to snap away when people are within the focus parameters. I don’t do a ton of street photography but it’s nice to have, when the opportunity come about.
Being out in nature is one of my favorite things to do. Even though a 40mm lens isn’t ideal for landscapes, I find the GR IIIx more than capable of capturing great images.
After using the Ricoh GR IIIx for almost 9 months my favorite feature is the close up mode. I know Ricoh says macro but it’s not really macro. Being able to press a button and get close to an object is really fun. And while it doesn’t rival my Sony 90mm macro lens, it’s really nice to have when I don’t want to bring that lens and the Sony A7ii .
Overall I am really happy with the Ricoh GR IIIx purchase. It really is the best camera I own because it goes everywhere with me. And as Mr. Chase Jarvis once said “The best camera is the one with you.”
Show notes:
Ricoh GR IIIx - https://amzn.to/3X2iDoM
Thumb Grip - https://amzn.to/3OaycXC
See the pictures here 👉🏾 https://kwame.me/blog
My gear page - Kwame.me/gear
Follow me!
WEBSITE ► www.Kwame.me
FLICKR ► https://flic.kr/ps/3T6yWm
GLASS► https://bit.ly/KJGlass
Newsletter ► http://bit.ly/36ZeUji
What I’ve been up too 🤷🏾♂️
Hey, it's been a while. This is a quick update on what I've been up to the last few months. I took a small break from the channel and photography, to clear my head and focus on the next chapter in my life.
My daily photography gear:
Sony A7ii Review: https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 90mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/35q8fkK
Follow me!
WEBSITE ► www.Kwame.me
FLICKR ► https://flic.kr/ps/3T6yWm
GLASS► https://bit.ly/KJGlass
Newsletter ► http://bit.ly/36ZeUji
How I'm Using Photography To Get Through A loss
In this video, I share how I'm using photography after the loss of our first dog.
My gear page - Kwame.me/gear
When I’m taking pictures all my troubles are pushed away for a bit.
I always thought I would take pictures through out the last day. However I couldn’t bring myself to do it and THAT IS OK. I have more than enough pictures of her and I don’t want the painful memories of that day randomly popping up.
Follow me!
WEBSITE ► www.Kwame.me
FLICKR ► https://flic.kr/ps/3T6yWm
GLASS► https://bit.ly/KJGlass
Newsletter ► http://bit.ly/36ZeUji
Create Stunning Panoramas In Less Than 10 Minutes 2 | Lightroom Classic
In this video I show you how to create stunning panoramic images in Lightroom Classic in under 10 minutes.
My gear page - Kwame.me/gear
This is one of my favorite everyday carry APSC lens. The 20mm f2.8 is very pocketable and to use to capture the casual moments in my life.
Products I Use:
Sony A7ii Review: https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd
Samyang 35 F1.8 - https://amzn.to/2Vz7ocE
Tamron 28-200mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/3hiPAdo
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 - https://amzn.to/3nqj90e
Battery Grip - https://amzn.to/3fOV8Jo
Follow me!
WEBSITE ► www.Kwame.me
FLICKR ► https://flic.kr/ps/3T6yWm
GLASS► https://bit.ly/KJGlass
Newsletter ► http://bit.ly/36ZeUji
New Photographer's Don't Waste Your Money On A Full Frame Camera
In 2022 I suggest you don't waste your money buying a full-frame camera if you're a new photographer.
Olympus OM-D E-M5, Micro-Four Thirds sensor
It's way more camera than you need.
Full-frame cameras are usually bigger, heavier, and more complicated to master than their smaller counterparts. For the casual photographer who likes to take family photos or snapshots during travels, the full-frame system will be cumbersome overkill. This defeats the purpose of getting a camera in the first place.
If you are into casual photography, then carrying a large, chunky camera and lens will bring unwanted attention, defeating the purpose of taking candid photographs of your targeted subjects.
Apple iPhone 6 Plus
Full frame cameras are much more expensive.
When you're just getting started down the photography road, you don't want to waste a ton of money on a camera you sometimes might use. Instead, invest in really good lenses. A good lens can not only last much longer than the camera body but they can immediately make your pictures look much better. Smaller sensor lenses, Micro Four-Thirds or APSC, are much more affordable.
The latest full-frame cameras from Sony and Canon have lowered the bar for entry as far as camera bodies are concerned, they still don’t address the high price of the lenses.
Canon Powershot G5 X
No one will tell the difference.
The myth of better photos come from full-frame cameras is only a technical one. The truth is that the most important part of a camera is the person behind it who’s executing a vision as well as following through with their motivations to actually create better photos in post-production.
If you can’t captivate a person with one camera, then you can’t do it with any of them.
Snapseed Masterclass | Double Exposure
In this 2021 tutorial I show you how to create double images using Snapseed. After watching this video you will know how to use the most powerful tool in Snapseed that makes the double exposure image pop.
SUBSCRIBE for more Snapseed tutorials ►
Download images here.
Camera Gear I Use:
Sony A7ii Review - https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd
Sony 85mm F1.8 - https://amzn.to/3aLP1Ut
Sony A6100 Review - https://youtu.be/0yqFW1X824g
Sony A6100 - https://amzn.to/2LvFbOf
Sony 18-105mm - https://amzn.to/38ie4iQ
My lightroom Panorama Method
In this video I go over how I create panoramic pictures in Lightroom. This will work on Lightroom Classic and CC. At the time of this video it is not possible to do so on the mobile versions.
Camera Gear I Use:
Sony A7ii - https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd
Sony 85mm F1.8 - https://amzn.to/3aLP1Ut
Sony A6100 Review - https://youtu.be/0yqFW1X824g
Sony A6100 - https://amzn.to/2LvFbOf
Sony 18-105mm - https://amzn.to/38ie4iQ
Snapseed Masterclass | 2021 Snapseed Overview
This video is a 2021 overview of Snapseed. Snapseed is a free photo editor on IOS and Android. It’s the first photo editor that I recommend to people new to editing. I compare Snapseed to Photoshop Elements.
Gear I Use:
2017 iPad Pro 12" 512gb - https://amzn.to/3gnyRDF
Apple Pencil - https://amzn.to/3bZ8VdX
Magic Mouse 2 - https://amzn.to/36uSyoq
Brydge Keyboard - https://ebay.to/3d7EWBW
Logitech Keyboard - https://amzn.to/3ekBynv
iPad Stand - https://amzn.to/3d4YXcx
Sd Card Reader - https://amzn.to/2X7xXUl
USB Reader - https://amzn.to/2ZKLrqq
Sony A7ii - https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd
Sony 85mm F1.8 - https://amzn.to/3aLP1Ut
Sony A6100 Review - https://youtu.be/0yqFW1X824g
Sony A6100 - https://amzn.to/2LvFbOf
Sony 18-105mm - https://amzn.to/38ie4iQ
Lens Blur Filter | Snapseed Editing
Join in this Snapseed tutorial. I will give you several tips that will help you create creative images.
Gear I Use:
2017 iPad Pro 12" 512gb - https://amzn.to/3gnyRDF
Apple Pencil - https://amzn.to/3bZ8VdX
Magic Mouse 2 - https://amzn.to/36uSyoq
Brydge Keyboard - https://ebay.to/3d7EWBW
Logitech Keyboard - https://amzn.to/3ekBynv
iPad Stand - https://amzn.to/3d4YXcx
Sd Card Reader - https://amzn.to/2X7xXUl
USB Reader - https://amzn.to/2ZKLrqq
Sony A7ii - https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd
Sony 85mm F1.8 - https://amzn.to/3aLP1Ut
Sony A6100 Review - https://youtu.be/0yqFW1X824g
Sony A6100 - https://amzn.to/2LvFbOf
Sony 18-105mm - https://amzn.to/38ie4iQ
Rethinking The iPad Photography Workflow In 2021
I love my 2017 iPad Pro. But with the new Apple M1 chip is it time to switch back to the Mac full time? Do I still need an iPad Pro?
Gear I Use:
2017 iPad Pro 12" 512gb - https://amzn.to/3gnyRDF
Apple Pencil - https://amzn.to/3bZ8VdX
Magic Mouse 2 - https://amzn.to/36uSyoq
Brydge Keyboard - https://ebay.to/3d7EWBW
Logitech Keyboard - https://amzn.to/3ekBynv
iPad Stand - https://amzn.to/3d4YXcx
Sd Card Reader - https://amzn.to/2X7xXUl
USB Reader - https://amzn.to/2ZKLrqq
Sony A7ii - https://youtu.be/jRD3I1UA6iI
Sony A7 ii - https://amzn.to/38OLEdL
Sony 24mm F2.8 - https://amzn.to/2TO8kWd
Sony 85mm F1.8 - https://amzn.to/3aLP1Ut
Sony A6100 Review - https://youtu.be/0yqFW1X824g
Sony A6100 - https://amzn.to/2LvFbOf
January 31 Day Photo Challenge
As we’re in the new year you might be wondering what surprises 2021 will bring (we’re looking at you, March 2020). One thing you can plan on: Photos of the things you love will always bring you joy. To start 2021 off right, take more pictures so that you can hold on to what matters.
That’s why you should try my photo-a-day challenge for January 2021. These easy prompts will take the guesswork out of your daily photo shoots, resulting in a bunch of interesting pictures that capture the first month of this new year.
Join the Flickr group here, https://www.flickr.com/groups/14774916@N23/
Let’s kick off the new year with a bang. Doing this 31 day challenge will super charge your creative vision for 2021. Join the Flickr group to submit your pictures. I can’t wait to see what you all create.
Download the Calendar here.
